I'd love to have the DS!

But my options are so few. Only doctor near me isnt an option. I've tried researching but all others are either too far or don't accept my insurance. Do anyone know anyone that takes Humana & located reasonably near FL?

I believe Dennis Smith is in Georgia.  

DR. Dennis Smith with WellStar Bariatrics is located in Marietta, GA - outside Atlanta. He is known to be an excellent surgeon and I chose him to do my surgery.  Not sure what insurance he takes (other than mine, LOL!) Good LUCK!

Yes I've heard nothing but great things about Dr Smith. Unfortunately he don't take my insurance. I was hoping he did.

Have you checked out the vetted DS surgeons list on dsfacts.com?  Keep trying, it's soooo worth it!

I can't help on the insurance question, so I'll suggest that perhaps you change your definition of "too far" to expand the number of possibilities. Once you get on an airplane, does it really matter if the flight takes an hour or two longer?

I don't mean to make light of the travel issue. It does make the logistics harder. And I don't know enough about you to expound on all the reasons why doing everything in your power to get the DS instead of a less effective operation is in your best interest, other than the usual reasons for anyone - highest percentage excess weight loss, best maintenance of that weight loss, best rate of resolution of almost all comorbidities, ability to take NSAIDs, best qualify of life. I hope you'll consider surgeons farther afield and that you'll find someone who will accept your insurance. Keep trying! It's worth the extra effort. You will be living with your decision for the rest of your life.

Larra

Yes, I feel the same about traveling as Larra. I felt like you did when I was first looking into the DS. Your trying to find someone closer to you so you don't have to travel. But the more you research you see that with this surgery that is the wrong approach to take. You want to find a great DS Dr.. Do your research, you will see that traveling for this surgery is extremely common.... Good luck!

I agree with everything both of you have said. My concern isn't about the traveling for surgery but the aftercare aspect. Can you share with me what happens in that case?

Good question!

What happens with most people, even many who don't travel for the DS, is that after the initial post-op recovery they work with their local pcp's. Your pcp can order lab work for you (you will probably need to educate the pcp as to all the labs necessary!) and can confer with your surgeon via phone or email if necessary.

Larra

distance really is a preference and what you think the ds is worth.  there was no surgeon near me and I had to fly to my surgeon, I would do it again.  since so few surgeons even perform the ds to have a local surgeon who takes your insurance is not very common.  if you truly want the ds don't worry about flying to your surgeon, you can have someone local take care of you, and usually ds surgeons are really good with the dr you pick locally.  good luck